Jessica Dudek, of Watervliet, was named as Southwestern Michigan College’s Top Advocate in the college’s fall 2012 persuasive speech competition. Dudek, who is a second-year student, won the top award with her speech on why federal defense spending should not be cut. This was the third semester for the competition that involves more than 100 students. Runner-up was Katelyn Seelye. Her speech was on why corporations should be allowed to donate to political campaigns. The competition is coordinated by Sarah Mathews, SMC speech instructor.
Pictured (l-r) Dr. Fred Mathews, chairman of SMC Board of Trustees and a judge for the competition; Jessica Dudek, competition winner; Katelyn Seelye, runner-up in the competition; Robert Kowalewski and Patricia Patano, judges and members of the SMC Foundation.